Those who are planning for a baby or those who wish to avoid having a baby for whatever reasons would be very keen to detect pregnancy as soon as possible. This much is understandable. But how soon can a person expect to detect pregnancy reliably? A few weeks after conception or is it more than that?

But first things first. Before knowing, how soon we need to know how. Pregnancy is a mysterious gift of nature. It is the source of totally opposite feelings, that of euphoria as well as depression. Similarly, the markers of pregnancy are baffling as well. They could be a symptom of pregnancy or even of some other physical condition. They may affect some throughout the nine month period in some or may be conspicuous by their absolute absence in others. One needs to sort out these matters first.

However, nature is nurturing as well. The coming of a baby is announced in a woman’s instinct which is the most reliable sign. This could be as early as even within a couple of days of conception, But this feeling needs to be verified by physical symptoms. Some of the early pregnancy symptoms appear within the first two weeks. Morning sickness, with a misleading name is one of these. Attacks of nausea are not restricted to the mornings only. Frequent urge for urination. Weakness and dizziness leading to lethargy are other signs. Some women experience constipation and gas problems, tender and swollen breasts, and altered food appetite and tastes. The only good thing is not all symptoms affect all women in the same intensity and duration.

Even after detecting such physical signs, one has to wait for the most obvious sign, that of missed period. Then also home tests for pregnancy and visit to a doctor may be required to announce pregnancy with full confidence within the first two or three weeks